College Sports Established
1892
Location
Kingston, Rhode Island
College Name
University of Rhode Island
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division I
1924 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
Conference History
1980 - Present / Atlantic 10 Conference
1975 - 1980 / Independent
1948 - 1975 / Yankee Conference
1924 - 1948 / New England Conference
Nickname
Rams - The Rhode Island Rams are one of the most recognizable teams in college sports, and their nickname has been part of their identity for decades. But where did the name come from? Let's look at how this iconic moniker came to be associated with the Rhode Island Rams.
The first use of “Rams” as a mascot dates back to 1932 when it was adopted by then-athletic director Robert E.L Smith Jr., who chose it because he felt it symbolized strength and power—two qualities that he wanted his team to embody on the field. The original logo featured an angry ram with its horns pointed forward, ready for battle! This image quickly became synonymous with University athletics, making its way onto everything from jerseys to banners.
Fast forward several decades later, and you can still find references to “Rams” throughout campus life at URI (University Of Rhode Island). From student organizations like RAMS Club (Rhode Islanders Advocating Meaningful Service)to athletic events such as Ramapalooza–the name is everywhere! It even appeared in pop culture recently when Seth Meyers referred jokingly to them during his opening monologue on Saturday Night Live: "I'm sure everyone here knows about our amazing local basketball team...the mighty RhoDE ISLAND rAms!"
Whether you're cheering on your favorite players or showing school pride around town–it's clear why so many people have embraced this beloved nickname over time: there is something special about being part of The Pride Of Rhody!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1937
- 1980
- 1998
- 1999
- 2005
-
Rhode Island Rams men’s basketball team won the New England Conference championship
In the 1936-37 season, the Rhode Island Rams men’s basketball team won the New England Conference championship with a record of 14-3. It was the program’s first conference championship. The team was led by head coach Frank Keaney, who is considered one of the most influential figures in college basketball history. Keaney pioneered the concept of a fast-paced, high-scoring style ... -
The baseball team wins the Yankee Conference championship
In 1980, the Rhode Island Rams baseball team won the Yankee Conference championship, earning a spot in the NCAA Tournament. It was the program’s first conference title and first NCAA Tournament appearance. They finished the season with a record of 34-17. -
Women’s basketball team wins the Atlantic 10 Conference championship
women’s basketball team at the University of Rhode Island (URI) won their first Atlantic 10 Conference championship in the 1997-1998 season. They also made their first NCAA Tournament appearance that same year, losing in the first round to the University of Virginia. -
Lamar Odom
Lamar Odom played for the Rhode Island Rams men’s basketball team during the 1998-1999 season. He was a standout player and helped lead the team to the Atlantic 10 Conference championship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Odom was named the conference Rookie of the Year and was also a Second-Team All-Conference selection. -
Men’s basketball team makes it to the NCAA
2005: The men’s basketball team makes it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1999 after winning the Atlantic 10 Conference championship. The team loses in the first round to the University of Utah.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Rams
In 1936, three years after being established at Rhode Island State College (now known as the University of Rhode Island), the men's basketball team first appeared on an intercollegiate level with head coach Frank Keaney at the helm. Under his leadership, they earned their first winning season during that same year. They became a dominant force within New England collegiate athletics for more than four decades after that initial success story began.
Throughout this period, some legendary players donned Ram uniforms, including Ernie Calverley, who was inducted into both The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall Of Fame and National Collegiate Basketball Hall Of Fame; Jimmy Walker, who is remembered by many fans for his contribution towards bringing home two consecutive Atlantic 10 Tournament championships; Marvin Barnes whose name is synonymous with URI’s Final Four run back in 1974; plus numerous other greats such as Kenny Green or Lamar Odom to name few!
In addition to these outstanding individual achievements over those early years, there were also multiple conference titles won along with several trips deep into March Madness competition throughout the late '60s up until the mid-'90s era when the program took somewhat step back from its glory days due to lack of funding & resources available then compared now. But despite these hardships endured, URI remained competitive enough to reach the NCAA tournament nine times since 2000, including Sweet Sixteen in 2017!
As we look ahead, it’s clear that proud traditional excellence continues to live strong thanks to new-generation stars like Fatts Russell leading the way while coaching staff led by David Cox works hard to ensure the program remains among the country's best to offer. With the right combination of talent & determination, we could see another magical run occur sooner rather than later here in Ocean State!
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